Health
The kidneys are our body's natural filters. Every day, they drain several litres of blood and release approximately 2 litres of waste and excess water.
Kidney failure can lead to serious consequences.
However, we don't think much about the fact that some of our habits
cause irreparable damage to the kidneys.
Causes of kidney disease
1. Restraining urination
Constant retention of urine leads to bladder overflow and disrupts normal kidney function, leading to kidney failure and urinary incontinence. Urinary inhibition can cause many complications in the urinary tract, for example, bladder hypertrophy, hydronephrosis (enlargement of the kidney cavity as a result of increased blood pressure urine) and a number of other unpleasant and dangerous diseases. When nature calls, you should listen.
2. Insufficient water
In order for our kidneys to perform their functions well, they need sufficient water. When the body is dehydrated, the blood becomes thicker, and this is bad for the kidneys. The main function of our kidneys is to release metabolic waste from our system and balance red blood cells in the body.
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3. High salt (sodium) intake
The main source of sodium for humans is table salt. By consuming salt in large quantities, a person loads the kidneys, which are trying to keep the water-salt metabolism normal. The daily salt intake for an adult is not more than 5-6 grams (1 teaspoon). Remember that salt is already found in small quantities in many foods, so by salting dishes with plenty of salt, we imperceptibly exceed the safe rate.
4. Frequent use of painkillers
Many of us have a habit of taking analgesics (over-the-counter pain relievers) to control pain and reduce fever and inflammation. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin or ibuprofen are probably the most common pain relievers around the world. But their abuse can cause kidney damage first, and then completely disrupt their functioning. If you have reduced kidney function, don't take pain relievers without asking your doctor.
5. Protein diet
Meat contains protein that is excreted from the body through the kidneys. Therefore, all excess protein and its breakdown products also increase the burden on the kidneys. Protein products contain purines that are involved in the formation of uric acid. Accordingly, the more meat you eat, the higher its concentration. And this contributes to the deposition of salts and the formation of kidney stones. The accumulation of uric acid crystals is called gouty arthritis, or simply “gout.” And with this problem, nutritionists advise reducing the consumption of purine-containing foods.
Why do the kidneys hurt
6. Alcohol abuse
Alcohol is a toxin that puts a lot of stress on the kidneys and liver. When you drink alcoholic beverages in large quantities, this leads to the deposition of uric acid in the renal tubules, which leads to a blockage of the tubular membrane. This, in turn, increases the risk of kidney failure. Moreover, alcohol causes dehydration and disrupts the normal functioning of the kidneys. If you like to drink, do it in moderation.
7. Nicotine
According to the American Association of Nephrological Patients (AAKP), smoking is a leading factor in end-stage kidney failure. Smoking increases blood pressure and heart rate, as well as reduces blood flow and constricts blood vessels in the kidneys. This accelerates kidney dysfunction and worsens the symptoms of existing diseases.
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8. Consuming large amounts of caffeine
Having a strong diuretic effect, caffeine makes the kidneys work idle, dehydrating the body, which creates an increased load on the organ. Consuming foods that contain high amounts of caffeine, such as chocolate, coffee, and soft drinks, can cause blood pressure levels to rise, which in turn will have pressure on the kidneys, and this can cause kidney failure.
9. Lack of sleep
Generally speaking, lack of sleep has a general weakening effect on all body systems. Did you know that when you sleep, your organ tissues regenerate? If you often do not get enough sleep, go to bed late and get up early, then the renewal process is not complete. As a result, this can lead to impaired kidney function.
10. Sedentary lifestyle
A sedentary lifestyle increases the risk of developing chronic kidney disease, scientists from the University of Utah School of Medicine came to this conclusion. Lack of physical activity is often the main cause of kidney problems. Due to the lack of physical activity, congestion occurs in the kidneys. To significantly improve kidney health, it is enough to exercise moderately for 1.5 hours a day.
Today, according to statistics, every tenth inhabitant of the Earth has signs of kidney damage. The lion's share of risk factors for kidney disease are easily removable, bad habits. Eliminate bad habits and maintain the health of not only the kidneys, but also the whole body. It is not for nothing that they say: “Healthy kidneys are a healthy body”.